4 Autumn Foliage Destinations in Europe

While many people travel in summer months and quite a lot around Christmas time, autumn, especially October, has its very special appeal in Europe. Trees are wearing their colourful autumn foliage and hot drinks are getting more attractive for keeping ourselves warm. Summer crowds of tourists are gone and you can enjoy your time, lower hotel rates and unobstructed views. Pack long sleeves and a jacket or a coat, and go! Here is my selection of four European cities for your inspiration.

Prague, Czechia

Why this city?

Prague is a beautiful city in its own right, no matter what time of year you visit, but it didn’t get its “Golden City” nickname for nothing.

Where to go for autumn colours?

For some of the best views of autumn’s fall foliage, take a trip up to Petrin Hill for a panoramic 360 degree view from the top of the tower over the city’s colourful parks and hills. Take a funicular up to Petrin Hill. Alternatively, spend the morning watching city panoramas from the Castle Hill, or Hradcany.

Then stroll down through castle vineyards and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate in one of the cafes you’ll find along the way.

What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

Travelling to Prague in autumn is totally relaxing. Fewer queues for visiting major attractions such as St. Vitus Cathedral make the city very enjoyable, so be sure to hit Prague's sights, not so easy available in summer.

Minsk, Belarus

Why this city?

Autumn colours in Minsk are beautiful. Moreover, did you know that Minsk fogs are no less amazing than famous London fogs? As research shows, Minsk is one of the top three most popular destinations for Russians in autumn. While Belarus might sound a bit daunting with visas, border crossings, paperwork etc., all this is quite a painless exercise, especially when travelling by plane.

Where to go for autumn colours?

The city has many beautiful parks. I’d recommend visiting the Loshitsa Estate and park, one of the most beautiful places in Minsk. It looks very picturesque in autumn. One can walk along the old alleys and visit the residence-museum. It’s a popular place for weddings and art photographers.

What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

Every October the international classical music festival of Jury Bashmet takes place in Minsk. It’s a great opportunity to hear the masterpieces of famous composers.

Stratford upon Avon, England

Why this city?

Autumn is just the time to admire fiery leaves and dramatic reflections in the Avon River.

For Shakespeare’s hometown, quoting his passage about late autumn from Sonnet 73 seems very appropriate:

That time of year thou mayst in me behold

When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang

Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,

Bare ruined choirs where late the sweet birds sang.

Where to go for autumn colours?

Walking along the Avon and visiting Shakespeare places will do.

What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

The Mop Fair is an annual fun fair held downtown. The original charter for the mop fair granted by Edward VI in 1553 is still kept to! This charter gives permission for fairs to be held throughout streets and lanes, and fairs still have every right to take over the town centre.

Farm workers, labourers, servants and some craftsmen would work for their employer from October to October. At the end of the employment period, they would attend the Mop Fair dressed in their Sunday best and carrying an item to help identify their trade. A servant with no particular skills would carry a mop head – hence the name Mop Fair.

Antwerp, Belgium

Why this city?

Whether for its smallness or lack of self-promotion, Belgium is often overlooked by visitors to Europe. I think it’s impossible not to fall for Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city. This port city’s attractive architecture is a startling contrast of medieval, Flemish Renaissance, neo-Gothic, industrial and modern buildings. You can get two reactions about Antwerp from people. Those who’ve never been there roll their eyes. Those who have, often claim it’s one of their favourite cities.

Where to go for autumn colours?

They are everywhere: in the streets and in parks, even rabbits in parks wear colourful outfits, and MAS museum wears autumn colours all year around.

What other interesting activities are there in autumn?

Rubens house is a must for Antwerp visitors. Antwerp is the world’s diamond capital. More than half of the diamonds sold around the world pass through this sparkling city. So visit the Diamond Pavilion to learn more.

Try Belgian waffles! Belgian waffles are popular throughout Europe and the rest of the world, but nowhere do they taste better than in Belgium itself. For beer drinkers, I recommend trying a cherry beer, along with any of the other 800 beer types.

What is your favourite autumn destination? Share in the comments section!

About the authorAnita is a part time traveler, passionate photographer and a mature career woman from Latvia, traveling mostly solo for more than 10 years. She is a skilled travel planner planning and executing her travels by herself. Follow Anita also on Instagram.

Some great reccomendations on where to spend Autumn, I love the way you have captured the wonderful colours! I especially want to visit Belarus as I haven't been there before and Autumn looks like a great time to visit, the photos of the park look great!

Wow! Your photos have captured the Autumn colours so well. It is such a romantic time of the year in my opinion. I would love to visit Prague in this season. I went in summer and it was stunning, but so hot and crowded!